This application note describes reproducible methods for sample preparation and HPLC analysis of PNAs in soil, barbecued meat and waste water, all with good recovery rates, and detection limits that exceed regulatory requirements.
This document details methods for the analysis of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). It covers sample preparation techniques for various matrices, including soil, barbecued meat, and waste water, aiming for good recovery rates and detection limits that meet regulatory requirements.
The note evaluates two specific HPLC configurations: a standard-bore system using the HP 1050 Series with a 4.6-mm id column, and a narrow-bore system using the HP 1090 Win Series with a 2.1-mm id column. Both setups utilize fluorescence and UV-Visible diode-array detectors to optimize sensitivity and selectivity for different compounds.
| Detection limit (Fluorescence) | 0.3 picograms |
|---|---|
| Detection limit (UV-Visible) | 50 pg |
| Column ID (Standard-bore) | 4.6 mm |
| Column ID (Narrow-bore) | 2.1 mm |
| Flow rate (Standard-bore) | 1.5 ml/min |
| Flow rate (Narrow-bore) | 0.42 ml/min |
| Column temperature | 28°C |
The entire HPLC method, including separation and report generation, can be automated using the HPLC ChemStation (DOS Series).
The method can identify acenaphthylene down to 44 pg.
The narrow-bore column system operates at a flow rate of 0.42 ml/min.
A column thermostatting temperature of 28°C ensures the most reproducible separations.